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15 Ways to Stick to Your Resolutions

Do you fret that those holiday cookies are hanging on your thighs and the New Year’s cocktails blew up your gut like a balloon? By the time we ring in the New Year, many of us are feeling the effects of December indulgences. You had fun and now it is time to get down to the business of feeling good again.

Here are my top to get you through your resolution all the way to next December.Fitness

1. Set goals that are realistic and specific. Come up with a time period that is challenging but not overwhelming and commit to a fitness regime for that month or 90 days or six months (or longer!). Next, set a goal to accomplish in that time frame. Write down your plan of action for every day, week, and so on. Start with a plan that you think you can accomplish or exceed. For example, walk for 30 minutes, and then run for 20 minutes. See how many times you have to stop and walk each time. Eventually, work up to running for 30 minutes.

2. Identify and eliminate your barriers to exercise and eating well. Make a plan to conquer and avoid those specific barriers. Take each barrier or excuse and write down ways you can solve the problem.

3. Put one sneaker in front of the other. Many of us waste too much time saying we need to work out but dread the process. Get dressed to work out and don’t think about the next step. If you take it one step at a time, before you know it you will finish the cool-down and feel amazing.

4. Make yourself an upbeat playlist or CD. You can dance around as you clean up at home. Or, you can find a hip-hop or African dance class at the gym, learn to belly dance at an adult education class or at the Y, or just plan a girls’ night out dancing.

5. Make active dates to see friends and family and do something that doesn’t involve eating and drinking. Walk through the park, go biking in summer, ice skate or cross country ski in winter, walk the mall, take a yoga or cardio class, or run on a treadmill right next to your friend.

6. Drive less and walk more. Take the stairs when possible and never go a day without some exercise.

7. Invest in a gym membership, if you don’t have one already, and use it. If you don’t have the money right now, buy an inexpensive workout DVD.

8. Weigh yourself every day or do something to remind yourself of your goals. Feel good about the choices you made yesterday.

9. Keep reading health and fitness columns online. Subscribe to weekly e-mailed fitness tips for regular inspiration, and subscribe to fitness magazines. Whether it’s a new and healthy dish you can make, news about a recent medical study, interesting moves to try at home, or another person’s story about how they reached their goals, any inspiration will help.

10. Pass this advice along. I saw a quote once that said “You are the average of the five people you hang out with the most.” So get your friends to subscribe to a fitness newsletter, find a partner to work out with and help you make healthy choices at a restaurant.FOOD

1. Think of food as a fuel, not as a gift. Passing on food that is high in fat and sugar. Box up half the portion you are served — before you even take a bite. Make a plan ahead of time by checking the restaurant’s menu online or at least mapping out how you will get in plenty of good choices or if you can afford to splurge a little on that meal.

2. Practice good habits when you eat out. If you have to be at a restaurant, identify the three healthiest things on the menu and pick between those.

4. Don’t eat any junk food at the office. Bring healthy, sweet or salty snacks to your desk, such as whole wheat crackers, almonds, grapes, or chocolate soy milk. At home, use a slow cooker to prepare a healthy meal in the mornings that is ready for you when you get home (it’s like having a personal chef at home all day, and gives you that extra hour for exercise.)

5. Drink no more than two alcoholic beverages at parties and events. Instead, have a glass of water or seltzer in between cocktails. Have a snack before these events so you don’t attack the buffet line.